Relay

ABSTRACT

A relay includes a movable block, a base substrate, and a coil block. The movable block is provided rotatably around a rotational axis of the movable block. The movable block includes a plurality of sliders. The base substrate is disposed opposite the movable block in the rotational axis direction of the movable block, and contacts the sliders. The base substrate includes a plurality of contactors that come into contact with the sliders. The coil block includes a coil that generates electromagnetic force by electric conduction to rotate the movable block with respect to the base substrate. As the movable block rotates, continuity is switched between the sliders and the contactors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Phase of PCT InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2015/072188, filed on Aug. 5, 2015. Thatapplication claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.2014-228237, filed Nov. 10, 2014 and to Japanese Patent Application No.2015-048612, filed Mar. 11, 2015. The contents of the three aboveapplications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a relay.

BACKGROUND

A relay includes a coil and an armature. When power is switched on tothe coil, the electromagnetic force thus produced operates the armature.This switches the movable and fixed contacts provided to the armature onand off.

For instance, with the relay in Japanese Laid-Open Patent ApplicationH08-250003, an armature is pivotably supported, and movable contactsegments are attached to both ends of the armature. The movable contactsegments move when the armature pivots under the electromagnetic forceof the coil. This switches the contacts on and off.

With the relay in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2005-71815, anarmature is linked to movable contact segments via linking members. Whenthe armature rotates under the electromagnetic force of the coil, therotational motion of the armature is converted through the linkingmember into linear motion, which is transmitted to the movable contactsegments. This switches the contacts on and off.

BRIEF SUMMARY

With the relays discussed above, the number of movable contact segmentshas to be increased in order to increase the number of poles of thecontacts. If the number of movable contact segments is increased, thestructure used to support the movable contact segments becomes larger.Therefore, a problem is that the relay becomes bulkier. Also, it isconceivable that the number of poles could be increased by combining aplurality of relays into a relay module. For instance, with a four-polerelay, as shown in FIG. 32, a relay module 100 with 32 poles overall canbe configured by disposing eight relays 200 are disposed on a substrate300. Here again, however, we encounter the problem of increased size forthe relay module as a whole. Also, since the relays have to be solderedonto the substrate, another problem is that the number of manufacturingsteps increases.

Furthermore, the contact pressure between movable contact segments andfixed contacts is obtained by pressing the movable contact segmentsagainst the fixed contacts by means of the electromagnetic force of acoil. In this case, the contact pressure tends to be affected byvariance in the dimensions of the constituent parts. For example, thereis the risk that variance will occur in the contact pressure as a resultof variance in the distance between the movable contact segments and thefixed contacts, the length of the linking members, etc. Therefore, it isno easy task to improve contact reliability in contacts.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a relay with whichthe number of contact poles can be increased while minimizing anincrease in size, and the contact reliability of the contacts is high.

The relay pertaining to one aspect of the present disclosure includes amovable block, a base substrate, a coil block, and a plurality ofcontactors. The movable block is provided rotatably around a rotationalaxis of the movable block. The movable block includes a plurality ofsliders. The base substrate is disposed opposite the movable block inthe rotational axis direction of the movable block, and is in contactwith the sliders. The base substrate includes a plurality of contactorsconfigured to come into contact with the sliders. The coil blockincludes a coil. The coil is configured to generate electromagneticforce by electric conduction to rotate the movable block with respect tothe base substrate. As the movable block rotates, continuity is switchedbetween the sliders and the contactors.

With the relay pertaining to this aspect, when the movable block rotatesunder the electromagnetic force of the coil block, the sliders slideover the base substrate. Consequently, the sliders move to a position ofcoming into contact with the contactors, resulting in continuity betweenthe sliders and the contactors. Also, when the sliders slide over thebase substrate and move to a position where there is no contactor,continuity is broken between the sliders and the contactors. Thus, whenthe sliders move while still in contact with the base substrate, thecontinuity state between the sliders and the contactors is switched.Specifically, the continuity state can be switched while maintaining aconstant contact pressure at the contactors, so contact reliabilitybetween the sliders and the contactors can be easily increased. Also,with the relay pertaining to this aspect, numerous sliders andcontactors can be easily disposed in a small space. Accordingly, thenumber of sliders in the movable block and the number of contactors onthe base substrate can be increased, which means that more pairs ofslider and contactor will participate in the switching of the continuitystate, while keeping an increase in size to a minimum.

Preferably, the sliders are disposed spaced apart in the radialdirection and in the peripheral direction of the rotation of the movableblock. In this case, numerous sliders can be disposed in a small space.

Preferably, the contactors are disposed spaced apart in the radialdirection and in the peripheral direction of the rotation of the movableblock on the base substrate. In this case, numerous contactors can bedisposed in a small space.

Preferably, the sliders include a first slider. Preferably, thecontactors include a first contactor. The first slider is providedmovably between a contact position where it is in contact with the firstcontactor, and a non-contact position where it is not in contact withthe first contactor. When the coil block rotates the movable block in apredetermined direction, the first slider moves from the non-contactposition to the contact position. When the coil block rotates themovable block in the opposite direction from said predetermineddirection, the first slider moves from the contact position to thenon-contact position. In this case, the continuity state between thefirst slider and the first contactor can be switched by switching therotational direction of the movable block.

Preferably, the sliders include a second slider. Preferably, thecontactors include a second contactor. The second slider is providedmovably between a contact position where it is in contact with thesecond contactor, and a non-contact position where it is not in contactwith the second contactor. When the coil block rotates the movable blockin a predetermined direction, the first slider moves from thenon-contact position to the contact position, and the second slidermoves from the contact position to the non-contact position. When thecoil block rotates the movable block in the opposite direction from saidpredetermined direction, the first slider moves from the contactposition to the non-contact position, and the second slider moves fromthe non-contact position to the contact position. In this case, thefirst slider and the second slider can constitute a continuity statebetween the sliders and contactors that function the same as an NOcontact and an NC contact. Also, it is possible to switch alternatelybetween a continuity state between the sliders and contactors thatfunction the same as an NO contact and a continuity state between thesliders and contactors that function the same as an NC contact, byswitching the rotational direction of the movable block. The term “NOcontact” refers to a contact configuration in which the contact isnormally open, but is closed during operation (during movable blockrotation). “NC contact” refers to a contact configuration in which thecontact is normally closed, but is open during operation (during movableblock rotation).

Preferably, the movable block further includes a third slider.Preferably, the base substrate further includes a third contactor. Thethird slider is configured to be in constant contact with the thirdcontactor while the first slider moves between the contact position andthe non-contact position. In this case, a continuity state between thesliders and contactors that function the same as an NO contact, an NCcontact, and a CO contact can be constituted by suitably combining thethird slider with the first slider or the second slider. The term “COcontact” here refers to a contact configuration that is a combination ofan NO contact and an NC contact.

Preferably, the third slider is disposed closer to the rotational axisthan the first slider. In this case, the movement distance of the thirdslider by the rotation of the movable block is less than the movementdistance of the first slider. Therefore, the length over which the thirdcontactor comes into contact with the third slider can be shortened.Also, since the movement distance of the first slider can be increased,the insulation distance between the first slider and the first contactorcan be increased.

Preferably, the movable block further includes a rotary substrate. Therotary substrate is disposed opposite the base substrate in therotational axis direction. The sliders are attached to the rotarysubstrate. The rotary substrate electrically connects the sliders. Inthis case, the contact configuration and the number of pairs of sliderand contactor that participate in the switching of the continuity statecan be easily changed by changing the layout of the sliders and thewiring pattern of the rotary substrate.

Preferably, the sliders have a shape that curves toward the rotationaldirection of the movable block. In this case, the sliding resistance ofthe sliders during rotation can be reduced. Also, since good springinesscan be imparted to the sliders, contact reliability can be furtherimproved.

Preferably, the plurality of sliders includes sliders with a shape thatcurves toward the predetermined rotational direction, and sliders with ashape that curves in the opposite direction from said predeterminedrotational direction. In this case, the difference in sliding resistanceattributable to a difference in rotational direction can be reduced.

Preferably, the relay further includes a plurality of terminals that areconnected to the base substrate. Preferably, each of the terminals iselectrically connected to one of the contactors on the base substrate.In this case, the contact configuration and the number of pairs ofslider and contactor that participate in the switching of the continuitystate can be easily changed by changing the layout of the contactors andthe wiring pattern of the base substrate.

Preferably, at least two of the contactors are connected to a commonterminal by a pattern on the base substrate. In this case, the number ofterminals can be reduced and the distance between terminals can beincreased. Also, reducing the number of terminals allows the design ofthe pattern to which the relay is attached to be simplified.

Preferably, the coil block includes a first coil and a second coil thatis separate from the first coil. In this case, the relay can be mademore compact by dividing up the coil block into a first coil and asecond coil.

Preferably, the magnetic circuit of the first coil and the magneticcircuit of the second coil are independent of each other. In this case,the magnetic flux of the first coil and the magnetic flux of the secondcoil interfere with each other less. Consequently, there is lessmagnetic loss, and a stronger electromagnetic force can be exerted onthe movable block.

Preferably, the first coil and the second coil are disposed spacedapart. The movable block includes an armature disposed between the firstcoil and the second coil. In this case, the armature is attracted by theelectromagnetic force between the first coil and second coil, allowingthe movable block to be rotated.

Preferably, the armature includes a first contact part and a secondcontact part. When the movable block rotates in a predetermineddirection, the first contact part comes into contact with the coilblock, thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the movable blockin the predetermined direction. When the movable block rotates in theopposite direction from said predetermined direction, the second contactpart comes into contact with the coil block, thereby restricting theamount of rotation of the movable block in said opposite direction. Inthis case, the amount of movement of the sliders when the continuitystate between the sliders and contactors is switched can be prescribedby bringing the first contact part or the second contact part intocontact with the coil block.

Preferably, the coil block includes a first yoke and a second yoke. Thefirst yoke protrudes toward the armature between the first coil and thesecond coil. The second yoke that protrudes toward the armature from theside opposite the first yoke between the first coil and the second coil.Preferably, the armature includes a first concave part and a secondconcave part. The distal end of the first yoke is disposed in the firstconcave part. The distal end of the second yoke is disposed in thesecond concave part. In this case, the amount of rotation of the movableblock can be restricted by contact between the first concave part andthe first yoke, and/or contact between the second concave part and thesecond yoke.

Preferably, the first coil and the second coil each have a first layerand a second layer whose wiring direction is different from that of thefirst layer. In this case, a double-coil latching relay can be obtainedwithout changing any of the other parts.

Preferably, the movable block is sandwiched between the base substrateand the coil block. Preferably, the coil block is attached to the basesubstrate so as to press the movable block toward the base substrate. Inthis case, the coil block presses on the movable block, which maintainsthe contact pressure between the sliders and contactors. Consequently,the continuity state can be switched while the contact pressure of thecontactors is kept constant, so contact reliability can be furtherimproved.

Preferably, the movable block includes a plurality of protrusions thatcome into contact with the coil block. In this case, the coil blockpresses on the movable block via a plurality of protrusions. Therefore,the movable block can be pressed stably and with less bias. Also,rotation of the movable block causes friction in the coil block and theprotrusions. Therefore, the portion that is worn down by frictionbetween the movable block and the coil block can be limited to theprotrusions.

Preferably, the protrusions are disposed symmetrically with respect tothe rotational axis. In this case, the coil block can press on themovable block even more stably and with less bias.

Preferably, the movable block includes a plurality of concave parts.These concave parts are respectively disposed around the protrusions. Inthis case, any wear dust produced by friction between the protrusionsand the coil block can be held in the concave parts. This minimizes theamount of wear dust that is scattered into the surrounding area.

The present disclosure provides a relay with which the number of contactpoles can be increased while minimizing an increase in size, and whichhas high contact reliability of the contacts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded oblique view of a relay;

FIG. 2 is an exploded oblique view of the main body as seen obliquelyfrom above;

FIG. 3 is an exploded oblique view of the main body as seen obliquelyfrom below;

FIG. 4 is an exploded oblique view of a base block;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a base substrate;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the base substrate;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a movable block;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the movable block;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the movable block when the armature has beenremoved;

FIG. 10 is a detail view of a slider and the surrounding structure;

FIG. 11 is an oblique bottom view of the movable block;

FIG. 12 is an oblique view of a support member as seen obliquely fromabove;

FIG. 13 is an oblique view of the support member and an armature as seenobliquely from below;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the movable block;

FIG. 15 is a cross section of the support member;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the main body;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the main body;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a first coil unit and a second coil unit;

FIG. 19 is an exploded oblique view of the coil block;

FIG. 20 is a diagram of the coil block as seen in the axial direction ofthe first coil and the second coil;

FIG. 21 consists of diagrams of the flow of magnetic flux in the firstcoil unit and the second coil unit;

FIG. 22 is a diagram of the flow of magnetic flux in the coil block;

FIG. 23 is a diagram of the flow of magnetic flux in the coil block;

FIG. 24 is an oblique view of the coil block as seen from below;

FIG. 25 consists of schematic views of the layout of some of the slidersand some of the contactors;

FIG. 26 is a diagram of an example of a base substrate pattern;

FIG. 27 is a diagram of another example of a base substrate pattern;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of the configuration of the coil blockpertaining to another embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the relay pertaining to a first modificationexample;

FIG. 30 is a detail view of the relay pertaining to the firstmodification example;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the base substrate pertaining to a secondmodification example; and

FIG. 32 is an oblique view of a relay module pertaining to relatedtechnology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A relay 1 pertaining to an embodiment will now be described throughreference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded oblique view of therelay 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the relay 1 includes a cover 2 and a mainbody 3. The cover 2 is attached to the main body 3 so as to cover themain body 3. The up and down directions in this embodiment refer to theup and down directions in FIG. 1, respectively. However, this labelingof the directions in this embodiment is only intended to help in thedescription, and not to limit the attachment direction of the relay 1 orthe like.

FIG. 2 is an exploded oblique view of the main body 3 as seen obliquelyfrom above. FIG. 3 is an exploded oblique view of the main body 3 asseen obliquely from below. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body 3includes a base block 4, a movable block 5, and a coil block 6.

The base block 4 rotatably supports the movable block 5. FIG. 4 is anexploded oblique view of the base block 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the baseblock 4 includes a base substrate 11 and a base member 12.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the base substrate 11. FIG. 6 is a bottom viewof the base substrate 11. The base substrate 11 is disposed opposite themovable block 5 in the direction of the rotational axis Ra of themovable block 5 (see FIG. 2). The base substrate 11 has a quadrilateralshape, such as a square shape or a rectangular shape. The base substrate11 is disposed on the base member 12, and is attached to the base member12. The base substrate 11 includes a through-hole 111. The through-hole111 is disposed in the approximate center of the base substrate 11.

A support 121 is provided to the base member 12. The support 121 has acylindrical shape. The support 121 protrudes from the base member 12. Asshown in FIG. 2, the support 121 protrudes through the through-hole 111of the base substrate 11. The support 121 rotatably supports the movableblock 5.

The base substrate 11 includes a plurality of contactors 13. Thecontactors 13 are formed from an electroconductive material. In thisembodiment, the base substrate 11 has 96 contactors 13. However, thenumber of contactors 13 is not limited to 96, and may be greater than orless than 96. In the drawings, only some of the contactors 13 arelabeled, and the rest of the contactors 13 are not.

The contactors 13 are disposed around the through-hole 111. Thecontactors 13 are disposed along radial lines centered on the rotationalaxis Ra of the movable block 5 on the base substrate 11. The contactors13 are disposed on the base substrate 11, spaced apart in the radialdirection and the peripheral direction of the rotation of the movableblock 5. The contactors 13 have a flat shape.

The base substrate 11 includes a plurality of terminal connectors 14.The terminal connectors 14 are provided to both the front and rear facesof the base substrate 11. The front of the base substrate 11 is the sideon which the contactors 13 are provided. The rear of the base substrate11 is the opposite side from the one on which the contactors 13 areprovided. In the drawings, only some of the terminal connectors 14 arelabeled, and the rest of the terminal connectors 14 are not.

The front face of the base substrate 11 is disposed perpendicular to therotational axis Ra. The rear face of the base substrate 11 is alsodisposed perpendicular to the rotational axis Ra. The terminalconnectors 14 are disposed around the edges of the base substrate 11.The terminal connectors 14 have a flat shape.

A plurality of terminals 18 and 19 are respectively attached to theterminal connectors 14. In this embodiment, the terminals 18 and 19 areterminals used for surface mounting, and have a curved distal end, butmay instead be terminals used with a through-hole.

The terminals 18 attached to the terminal connectors 14 on the front ofthe base substrate 11 protrude laterally from the edges of the basesubstrate 11. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of slits 20 are providedto the edges of the base member 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminals 19attached to the terminal connectors 14 on the rear face of the basesubstrate 11 protrude through the slits 20 from the base member 12. InFIG. 4, only some of the slits 20 are labeled, and the rest of the slits20 are not.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the contactors 13 include a plurality offirst contactors 13_1 a and 13_2 a, a plurality of second contactors13_1 b and 13_2 b, and a plurality of third contactors 13_1 c and 13_2c. The terminal connectors 14 include a plurality of first terminalconnectors 14_1 a and 14_2 a, a plurality of second terminal connectors14_1 b and 14_2 b, and a plurality of third terminal connectors 14_1 cand 14_2 c. What comes after the “_” (underscore) in the labels of thecontactors 13, the terminal connectors 14, and the sliders 23 (discussedbelow) denotes the contact configuration. As will be discussed below,the first contactors constitute NO contacts. The second contactorsconstitute NC contacts. The third contactors constitute CO contacts.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, only some of the first contactors (13_1 a and 13_2 a),some of the second to contactors (13_1 b and 13_2 b), and some of thethird contactors (13_1 c and 13_2 c) are labeled, and the rest of thefirst contactor, second contactors, and third contactors are not.

The first contactor 13_1 a, the second contactor 13_1 b, and the thirdcontactor 13_1 c are disposed spaced apart in the radial direction inthe rotation of the movable block 5. The third contactor 13_1 c isdisposed closer to the rotational axis Ra than the first contactor 13_1a and the second contactor 13_1 b.

The first contactor 13_2 a, the third contactor 13_2 c, and the secondcontactor 13_2 b are disposed spaced apart in the radial direction inthe rotation of the movable block 5. The third contactor 13_2 c isdisposed closer to the rotational axis Ra than the first contactor 13_2a and the second contactor 13_2 b.

The base substrate 11 electrically connects the contactors 13 to theterminal connectors 14. For example, the first contactor 13_1 a isconnected to the first terminal connector 14_1 a. The second contactor13_1 b is connected to the second terminal connector 14_1 b. The thirdcontactor 13_1 c is connected to the third terminal connector 14_1 c.The first contactor 13_2 a is connected to the first terminal connector14_2 a. The second contactor 13_2 b is connected to the second terminalconnector 14_2 b. The third contactor 13_2 c is connected to the thirdterminal connector 14_2 c. Although not described in detail, the othercontactors 13 and the other terminal connectors 14 are similarlyelectrically connected to each other on the base substrate 11.

The base substrate 11 is what is known as a printed substrate. Thecontactors 13 and the to terminal connectors 14 are patterns formed on aprinted substrate, and are formed from copper foil or another suchconductor. The contactors 13 and the terminal connectors 14 are notcovered by an insulator, being exposed instead.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the movable block 5 is disposed on the baseblock 4. The movable block 5 is sandwiched between the base substrate 11and the coil block 6. The movable block 5 includes a rotary substrate21, an armature 22, and a plurality of sliders 23.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the movable block 5. As shown in FIG. 7, therotary substrate 21 is in the form of a disk. The rotary substrate 21 isdisposed opposite the base substrate 11 in the rotational axis Radirection. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the movable block 5 includes arotary shaft 24. The above-mentioned rotational axis Ra is concentricwith the rotary shaft 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary shaft 24protrudes from the rear face of the rotary substrate 21. The rear faceof the rotary substrate 21 is opposite the front of the base substrate11. The rotary shaft 24 is supported by the support 121 of the baseblock 4. The rotary shaft 24 is disposed inside the support 121.Therefore, the rotary shaft 24 is covered by the support 121. This helpsprevent wear dust produced by the rotation of the rotary shaft 24 fromscattering to the surrounding area.

The sliders 23 are attached to the rotary substrate 21. In thisembodiment, the movable block 5 has 96 sliders 23. However, the numberof sliders 23 is not limited to 96, and may be greater than or less than96. The sliders 23 are formed from an electroconductive material. Thesliders 23 are attached to the rear of the rotary substrate 21.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the movable block 5. As shown in FIG. 8, thesliders 23 are disposed spaced apart in the radial direction and in theperipheral direction of the rotation of the movable block 5. The sliders23 are disposed along radial lines centered on the rotational axis Ra ofthe movable block 5.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the movable block 5 when the armature 22 hasbeen removed. As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of through-holes 211 areprovided to the rotary substrate 21. In FIG. 9, only some of thethrough-holes 211 are labeled, and the rest of the through-holes 211 arenot. The through-holes 211 have a slender shape that extends in theradial direction of the rotary substrate 21. The sliders 23 are attachedin the through-holes 211.

The rotary substrate 21 electrically connects the sliders 23. The rotarysubstrate 21 is what is known as a printed substrate. The through-holes211 are electrically connected by a wiring pattern 25 formed on theprinted substrate. Therefore, the sliders 23 are electrically connectedto each other by attaching the sliders 23 to the through-holes 211.

More precisely, the sliders 23 include a plurality of first sliders 23_1a and 23_2 a, a plurality of second sliders 23_1 b and 23_2 b, and aplurality of third sliders 23_1 c and 23_2 c. The first slider 23_1 a,the second slider 23_1 b, and the third slider 23_1 c are disposedspaced apart in the radial direction in the rotation of the movableblock 5. The third slider 23_1 c is disposed closer to the rotationalaxis Ra than the first slider 23_1 a and the second slider 23_1 b.

The first slider 23_2 a, the third slider 23_2 c, and the second slider23_2 b are disposed spaced apart in the radial direction in the rotationof the movable block 5. The third slider 23_2 c is disposed closer tothe rotational axis Ra than the first slider 23_2 a and the secondslider 23_2 b.

The first slider 23_1 a, the second slider 23_1 b, and the third slider23_1 c are electrically connected to each other. Although not depictedin the drawings, the first slider 23_2 a, the second slider 23_2 b, andthe third slider 23_2 c are also electrically connected to each other.

In FIG. 9, only some of the first sliders (23_1 a and 23_2 a), some ofthe second sliders (23_1 b and 23_2 b), and some of the third sliders(23_1 c and 23_2 c) are labeled, and the rest of the first sliders,second sliders, and third sliders are not. Although not described indetail, the rest of the first sliders, second sliders, and third slidersare similarly connected together by wiring.

FIG. 10 is a detail view of the first slider 23_1 a and the surroundingstructure. The distal end of the first slider 23_1 a is touching thebase substrate 11, and the distal end of the first slider 23_1 a, whichhas a shape that is curved in an arc, is pressed against the basesubstrate 11. Because it is springy, the first slider 23_1 a is pressedagainst the base substrate 11 by the elastic force. The first contactor13_1 a is disposed aligned with the first slider 23_1 a in therotational direction of the movable block 5 on the base substrate 11.

The first contactor 13_2 a is disposed in the same way as the firstcontactor 13_1 a. The first contactor 13_2 a is disposed aligned withthe first contactor 13_1 a in the rotational direction of the movableblock 5. The first contactor 13_2 a is disposed aligned with the firstslider 23_2 a in the rotational direction of the movable block 5 on thebase substrate 11.

When the movable block 5 rotates, the distal end of the first slider23_1 a and the distal end of the first slider 23_2 a slide over the basesubstrate 11 in a state of being pressed against the base substrate 11.The other sliders 23 are configured the same as the first slider 23_1 aand the first slider 23_2 a.

FIG. 11 is an oblique bottom view of the movable block 5. As shown inFIG. 11, the sliders 23 have a shape that curves in the peripheraldirection of the rotary substrate 21. In other words, the sliders 23have a shape that curves in the rotational direction of the movableblock 5.

More precisely, the sliders 23 have sliders 23 (such as 23_1 a and 23_2a) having a shape that curves in a predetermined rotational direction,and sliders 23 (such as 23_1 b and 23_2 b) having a shape that curves inthe opposite direction from said predetermined rotational direction. Thesliders 23 having a shape that curves toward a predetermined rotationaldirection, and sliders 23 having a shape that curves toward the oppositedirection from said predetermined rotational direction are disposedalternately in the radial direction. Also, the sliders 23 disposedaround the same circle are curved in the same direction.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the armature 22 are attached to the front ofthe rotary substrate 21. More precisely, the movable block 5 includes asupport member 26 that supports the armature 22. The support member 26is formed from an insulating material, such as a resin. The armature 22is attached to the rotary substrate 21 via the support member 26.

As shown in FIG. 7, the armature 22 includes a first armature 27, asecond armature 28, and a permanent magnet 29. The first armature 27 andthe second armature 28 are disposed spaced apart. The first armature 27and the second armature 28 are disposed parallel to each other.

The first armature 27 and the second armature 28 are formed from asemi-hard magnetic material, for example. However, the first armature 27and the second armature 28 may be formed from some material other than asemi-hard magnetic material.

The permanent magnet 29 is disposed between the first armature 27 andthe second armature 28. As seen in the rotational axis Ra direction, thepermanent magnet 29 is disposed overlapping the rotational axis Ra. Asseen in the rotational axis Ra direction, the rotational axis Ra isdisposed between the first armature 27 and the second armature 28. Thefirst armature 27 and the second armature 28 have a slender shape.

The armature 22 includes a first concave part 221 and a second concavepart 222. As seen in the rotational axis Ra direction, the first concavepart 221 and the second concave part 222 are disposed symmetrically tothe rotational axis Ra. The first concave part 221 is made up of one endof the first armature 27, one end of the second armature 28, and thepermanent magnet 29. The second concave part 222 is made up of the otherend of the first armature 27, the other end of the second armature 28,and the permanent magnet 29. The first concave part 221 and the secondconcave part 222 extend in the lengthwise direction of the firstarmature 27 and the second armature 28, respectively.

FIG. 12 is an oblique view of a support member 26 as seen obliquely fromabove. FIG. 13 is an oblique view of the support member 26 and thearmature 22 as seen obliquely from below. The support member 26 includesa concave part 31 in which the armature 22 is disposed. The supportmember 26 includes a first support 32 and a second support 33. The firstarmature 27 is to disposed between the first support 32 and the secondsupport 33. The support member 26 includes a third support 34 and afourth support 35. The second armature 28 is disposed between the thirdsupport 34 and the fourth support 35.

As shown in FIG. 13, the above-mentioned rotary shaft 24 is integratedwith the bottom face of the support member 26. Protrusions 36 and 37 aredisposed on either side of the rotary shaft 24. As shown in FIG. 9, therotary substrate 21 includes a through-hole 212. The through-hole 212includes a circular part 213 and a pair of protrusions 214 and 215. Asshown in FIG. 8, the rotary shaft 24 is passed through the circular part213. Also, the protrusions 36 and 37 are passed through the protrusions214 and 215, respectively. Consequently, the rotary substrate 21 stopsturning with respect to the support member 26. This causes the rotarysubstrate 21 to rotate along with the armature 22.

As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of pads 38 to 41 are disposed on thebottom face of the support member 26. The pads 38 to 41 protrude fromthe bottom face of the support member 26. The pads 38 to 41 have a flatbottom face. The pads 38 to 41 are disposed around the rotary shaft 24.FIG. 14 is a side view of the movable block 5. As shown in FIG. 14, thepads 38 to 41 provide a gap G1 between the front face of the rotarysubstrate 21 and the bottom face of the support member 26. This avoidsinterference between the support member 26 and the ends of the sliders23 protruding from the front of the rotary substrate 21.

FIG. 15 is a cross section along the XV-XV line of the support member 26in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 15, the first support 32 includes a firstupper face 321, a first protrusion 322, and a first concave part 323.The first upper face 321 has a flat shape. The first protrusion 322protrudes from the first upper face 321. The first concave part 323 isprovided around the protrusion.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12, the second support 33 includes a secondupper face 331, a second protrusion 332, and a second concave part 333.The third support 34 includes a third upper face 341, a third protrusion342, and a third concave part 343. The fourth support 35 includes afourth upper face 351, a fourth protrusion 352, and a fourth concavepart 353. The second to fourth upper faces 331, 341, and 351, the secondto fourth protrusions 332, 342, and 352, and the second to fourthconcave parts 333, 343, and 353 are the same as the first upper face321, the first protrusion 322, and the first concave part 323,respectively, and therefore will not be described in detail.

However, the height of the first and second upper faces 321 and 331 fromthe rotary substrate 21 is lower than the height of the third and fourthupper faces 341 and 351 from the rotary substrate 21. Also, the heightof the first and second protrusions 322 and 332 from the rotarysubstrate 21 is lower than the height of the third and fourthprotrusions 342 and 352 from the rotary substrate 21.

As shown in FIG. 7, the protrusions 322, 332, 342, and 352 are disposedsymmetrically to each other around the rotational axis Ra, as seen inthe rotational axis Ra direction. These protrusions 322, 332, 342, and352 are pressed by the coil block 6, causing the support member 26 to besandwiched between the coil block 6 and the base substrate 11.

The coil block 6 rotates the movable block 5 with respect to the basesubstrate 11. FIGS. 16 and 17 are top views of the coil block 6 and thearmature 22. The coil block 6 rotates the armature 22 in a predetermineddirection (counter-clockwise in FIGS. 16 and 17) from the position shownin FIG. 16 (hereinafter referred to as the “first position”), therebymoving it to the position shown in FIG. 17 (hereinafter referred to asthe “second position”). Also, the coil block 6 rotates the armature 22in a direction that is opposite said predetermined direction (clockwisein FIGS. 16 and 17) from the second position shown in FIG. 17, therebymoving it to the first position shown in FIG. 16.

The coil block 6 includes a first coil unit 51 and a second coil unit52. FIG. 18 is a diagram of the first coil unit 51 and the second coilunit 52. In FIG. 18, the first coil unit 51 and the second coil unit 52are shown separated, and the first coil unit 51 and the second coil unit52 are separate from each other. That is, the magnetic circuit of thefirst coil unit 51 and the magnetic circuit of the second coil unit 52are independent of one another.

The first coil unit 51 and the second coil unit 52 are disposed alignedin a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis Ra. The direction inwhich the first coil unit 51 and the second coil unit 52 are alignedwill hereinafter be referred to as the width direction.

FIG. 19 is an exploded oblique view of the coil block 6. As shown inFIG. 19, the first coil unit 51 includes a first coil bobbin 53, a firstcoil 54, a first core 55, a first linking yoke 56, a first yoke 57, asecond linking yoke 58, and a second yoke 59.

The first coil 54 is wound around the first coil bobbin 53. A first coilterminal 61 and a to second coil terminal 62 are attached to the firstcoil bobbin 53. The first coil terminal 61 and the second coil terminal62 are connected to the first coil 54. The first coil terminal 61 isinserted into the first coil terminal hole 42 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.The second coil terminal 62 is inserted into a second coil terminal hole43.

The first core 55 is disposed in a hole 531 in the first coil bobbin 53.The first core 55 includes a first end 551 and a second end 552. Thefirst end 551 and the second end 552 of the first core 55 protrude fromthe first coil bobbin 53.

The first linking yoke 56 is connected to the first end 551 of the firstcore 55. As seen in the rotational axis Ra direction, the first linkingyoke 56 extends toward the second coil unit 52. The first linking yoke56 includes a first opening 561 and a second opening 562. The first end551 is inserted into the first core 55. The second opening 562 isdisposed lower than the first opening 561. The first linking yoke 56includes a first cutout 563. The first cutout 563 is disposed above thesecond opening 562.

The first yoke 57 includes a support 571 and a distal end 572. Thesupport 571 is inserted into the second opening 562. The distal end 572protrudes from the support 571 toward the armature 22.

The second linking yoke 58 is connected to the second end 552 of thefirst core 55. As seen in the rotational axis Ra direction, the secondlinking yoke 58 extends toward the second coil unit 52. The secondlinking yoke 58 and the second yoke 59 have the same shape as the firstlinking yoke 56 and the first yoke 57, respectively, and therefore willnot be described in detail.

The second coil unit 52 includes a second coil bobbin 63, a second coil64, a second core 65, a third linking yoke 66, a third yoke 67, a fourthlinking yoke 68, and a fourth yoke 69. The second coil 64 is disposedaway from the first coil 54 in the width direction.

As seen in the rotational axis Ra direction, the third linking yoke 66and the fourth linking yoke 68 extend toward the first coil unit 51. Thethird yoke 67 is disposed above the first yoke 57. The fourth yoke 69 isdisposed above the second yoke 59.

The second coil bobbin 63 has the same shape as the first coil bobbin53. A third coil terminal 71 and a fourth coil terminal 72 (see FIG. 3)are attached to the second coil bobbin 63. The third coil terminal 71and the fourth coil terminal 72 are connected to the second coil 64. Thethird coil terminal 71 is inserted into the third coil terminal hole 44shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The fourth coil terminal 72 is inserted into thefourth coil terminal hole 45 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The above-mentionedfirst coil terminal hole 42 and fourth coil terminal hole 45 arethrough-holes, and are electrically connected to a first external coilterminal 46. The above-mentioned second coil terminal hole 43 and thirdcoil terminal hole 44 are through-holes, and are electrically connectedto a second external coil terminal 47.

The second core 65 has the same shape as the first core 55. The first tofourth linking yokes 56, 58, 66, and 68 all have the same shape. Thefirst to fourth yokes 57, 59, 67, and 69 all have the same shape.Therefore, for these parts, parts of the same shape can be shared bychanging the orientation of their disposition.

In particular, the first linking yoke 56 and the third linking yoke 66are vertically inverted with respect to one another. FIG. 20 is adiagram of the coil block 6 as seen in the axial direction of the firstcoil 54 and the second coil 64. As shown in FIG. 20, the third linkingyoke 66 is vertically inverted with respect to the first linking yoke56, so that the position of a second opening 662 of the third linkingyoke 66 is shifted in the vertical direction from the position of thesecond opening 562 of the first linking yoke 56. That is, the secondopening 662 of the third linking yoke 66 is disposed higher than thesecond opening 562 of the first linking yoke 56. Accordingly, thepositions of the first yoke 57 and the third yoke 67 are offsetvertically. Consequently, in a state in which the first coil unit 51 andthe second coil unit 52 have been put together, the first yoke 57 andthe third yoke 67 overlap vertically. More precisely, the distal end 572of the first yoke 57 and the distal end 672 of the third yoke 67 aredisposed so as to be stacked in the vertical direction.

Similarly, the second linking yoke 58 and the fourth linking yoke 68 arealso vertically inverted with respect to one another. Consequently, in astate in which the first coil unit 51 and the second coil unit 52 havebeen put together, the second yoke 59 and the fourth yoke 69 overlapvertically. More precisely, the distal end 592 of the second yoke 59 andthe distal end 692 of the fourth yoke 69 are disposed so as to bestacked in the vertical direction.

The above-mentioned first protrusion 322 of the support member 26touches and supports the support 571 of the first yoke 57. The secondprotrusion 332 touches and supports the support 591 of the second yoke59. The third protrusion 342 touches and supports the support 671 of thethird yoke 67. The fourth protrusion 352 touches and supports thesupport 691 of the fourth yoke 69. The first yoke 57 is disposed underthe third yoke 67. Therefore, as discussed above, in regard to theheight from the rotary substrate 21, the first protrusion 322 is lowerthan the third protrusion 342. Also, the second yoke 59 is disposedunder the fourth yoke 69. Therefore, as discussed above, the firstprotrusion 322 is lower than the fourth protrusion 352.

The first core 55, the first linking yoke 56, the first yoke 57, thesecond linking yoke 58, and the second yoke 59 are formed from asemi-hard magnetic material, for example. Also, the second core 65, thethird linking yoke 66, the third yoke 67, the fourth linking yoke 68,and the fourth yoke 69 are formed from a semi-hard magnetic material.However, these parts may be formed from some material other than asemi-hard magnetic material.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the first coil 54 and the second coil 64are disposed spaced apart. The armature 22 is disposed between the firstcoil 54 and the second coil 64. The first yoke 57 and the third yoke 67protrude toward the armature 22 in between the first coil 54 and thesecond coil 64. The second yoke 59 and the fourth yoke 69 protrudestoward the armature 22 from the side opposite the first yoke 57 and thethird yoke 67, in between the first coil 54 and the second coil 64.

The distal end of the first yoke 57 and the distal end of the third yoke67 are disposed in the first concave part 221 of the armature 22. Thedistal end of the second yoke 59 and the distal end of the fourth yoke69 are disposed in the second concave part 222 of the armature 22. Asseen in the rotational axis Ra direction, the permanent magnet 29 andthe rotary shaft 24 are disposed between the first yoke 57 and thesecond yoke 59. Also, the permanent magnet 29 and the rotary shaft 24are disposed between the third yoke 67 and the fourth yoke 69.

FIG. 21A is a diagram of the flow of magnetic flux in the first coilunit 51. FIG. 21B is a diagram of the flow of magnetic flux in thesecond coil unit 52. As shown in FIG. 21A, when power is sent to thefirst coil 54 of the first coil unit 51, this produces a flow ofmagnetic flux, which flows to the first linking yoke 56, the first yoke57, the second armature 28, the permanent magnet 29, the first armature27, the second yoke 59, and the second linking yoke 58, in that order.

As shown in FIG. 21B, when power is sent to the second coil 64 of thesecond coil unit 52, this produces a flow of magnetic flux, which flowsto the third linking yoke 66, the third yoke 67, the second armature 28,the permanent magnet 29, the first armature 27, the fourth yoke 69, andthe fourth linking yoke 68, in that order. Therefore, as shown in FIG.22, the magnetic flux of the first coil unit 51 and the magnetic flux ofthe second coil unit 52 overlap in the same direction in the armature22, so a strong electromagnetic force acts on the armature 22.Consequently, a powerful attractive force acts between the firstarmature 27 and the second yoke 59, between the first armature 27 andthe fourth yoke 69, between the second armature 28 and the first yoke57, and between the second armature 28 and the third yoke 67. As aresult, the armature 22 rotates in a predetermined direction(counter-clockwise in FIG. 22), which is accompanied by rotation of themovable block 5 in the predetermined direction as well.

When the direction of current flow through the first coil 54 and thesecond coil 64 is reversed from the above direction, as shown in FIG.23, the flow of magnetic flux in the first coil unit 51, the second coilunit 52, and the armature 22 is the reverse of the above. Consequently,a powerful attractive force acts between the first armature 27 and thefirst yoke 57, between the first armature 27 and the third yoke 67,between the second armature 28 and the second yoke 59, and between thesecond armature 28 and the fourth yoke 69. As a result, the armature 22rotates in the opposite direction from said predetermined direction(clockwise in FIG. 23), which is accompanied by rotation of the movableblock 5 in the opposite direction from said predetermined direction aswell.

As shown in FIG. 16 and relay 17, the armature 22 includes a firstcontact part 223, a second contact part 224, a third contact part 225,and a fourth contact part 226. More precisely, the first contact part223 is the inner face of one end of the first armature 27. The secondcontact part 224 is the inner face of the other end of the firstarmature 27. The third contact part 225 is the inner face of one end ofthe second armature 28. The fourth contact part 226 is the inner face ofthe other end of the second armature 28.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the armature 22 rotates in a predetermineddirection (counter-clockwise in FIG. 17), the first contact part 223comes into contact with the first yoke 57 and the third yoke 67. Also,the fourth contact part 226 comes into contact with the second yoke 59and the fourth yoke 69. This restricts the rotation of the armature 22.Therefore, when the movable block 5 rotates in the predetermineddirection, the first contact part 223 and the fourth contact part 226come into contact with the coil block 6, which restricts the amount ofrotation of the movable block 5 in the predetermined direction.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the armature 22 rotates in the oppositedirection from said predetermined direction (clockwise in FIG. 16), thesecond contact part 224 comes into contact with the second yoke 59 andthe fourth yoke 69. Also, the third contact part 225 comes into contactwith the first yoke 57 and the third yoke 67. This restricts therotation of the armature 22. Therefore, when the movable block 5 rotatesin the opposite direction from said predetermined direction, the secondcontact part 224 and the third contact part 225 come into contact withthe coil block 6, which restricts the amount of rotation of the movableblock 5 in the predetermined direction.

The coil block 6 is attached to the base substrate 11. FIG. 24 is anoblique view of the coil block 6 as seen from below. As shown in FIG.24, the coil block 6 includes a plurality of fixing protrusions 73 to76. More precisely, the first coil bobbin 53 includes a first fixingprotrusion 73 and a second fixing protrusion 74. The first fixingprotrusion 73 and the second fixing protrusion 74 are provided to thebottom face of both ends of the first coil bobbin 53. The second coilbobbin 63 includes a third fixing protrusion 75 and a fourth fixingprotrusion 76. The third fixing protrusion 75 and the fourth fixingprotrusion 76 are provided to the bottom face of both ends of the secondcoil bobbin 63.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of fixing holes 81 to 84 are provided tothe base block 4. The fixing holes 81 to 84 are disposed correspondingto the fixing protrusions 73 to 76 of the coil block 6. The fixingprotrusions 73 to 76 are inserted into these fixing holes 81 to 84, andare fixed therein by an adhesive agent, cold press-fitting, or anothersuch fixing means. When the coil block 6 is attached to the basesubstrate 11, the movable block 5 is pressed toward the base substrate11.

The operation to switch the continuity state of the sliders 23 and thecontactors 13 in the relay 1 pertaining to this embodiment will now bedescribed. With the relay 1 pertaining to this embodiment, the sliders23 and the contactors 13 are switched in and out of contact when themovable block 5 rotates with respect to the base substrate 11. With therelay 1 pertaining to this embodiment, the distal ends of the sliders 23correspond to movable contacts, and the contactors 13 correspond tofixed contacts. When the distal ends of the sliders 23 come into contactwith the contactors 13, there is continuity between the sliders 23 andthe contactors 13. Specifically, the movable contacts and the fixedcontacts enter their ON state. When the distal ends of the sliders 23move away from the contactors 13, there is no continuity between thesliders 23 and the contactors 13. Specifically, the movable contacts andthe fixed contacts enter their OFF state.

FIG. 25 consists of schematic views of the layout of some of the slidersand some of the contactors. More precisely, FIG. 25 shows the layout ofthe above-mentioned first to third sliders 23_1 a, 23_1 b, and 23_1 c(see FIG. 9), and the first to third contactors 13_1 a, 13_1 b, and 13_1c (see FIG. 5). In FIG. 25A, the movable block 5 is located at the firstposition shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. 25B, the movable block 5 is locatedat the second position shown in FIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 25, the first contactor 13_1 a is disposed aligned withthe first slider 23_1 a in the rotational direction of the movable block5. The third contactor 13_1 c is disposed aligned with the third slider23_1 c in the rotational direction of the movable block 5. The secondcontactor 13_1 b is disposed aligned with the second slider 23_1 b inthe rotational direction of the movable block 5.

As shown in FIG. 25A, when the movable block 5 is in the first position,the first slider 23_1 a is not in contact with the first contactor 13_1a, and is in contact with the insulating layer of the base substrate 11.The third slider 23_1 c is in contact with the third contactor 13_1 c,and the second slider 23_1 b is in contact with the second contactor13_1 b. Therefore, there is continuity between the second slider 23_1 band the second contactor 13_1 b, but no continuity between the firstslider 23_1 a and the first contactor 13_1 a. Consequently, the secondterminal connector 14_1 b shown in FIG. 6 is electrically connected tothe third terminal connector 14_1 c via the second contactor 13_1 b, thesecond slider 23_1 b, the third slider 23_1 c, and the third contactor13_1 c. Also, the first terminal connector 14_1 a is electricallyisolated from the third terminal connector 14_1 c.

When the movable block 5 rotates in a predetermined direction(counter-clockwise in FIG. 25), the movable block 5 moves from the firstposition to the second position. As shown in FIG. 25B, when the movableblock 5 is in the second position, the first slider 23_1 a is in contactwith the first contactor 13_1 a, and the third slider 23_1 c is incontact with the third contactor 13_1 c. The second slider 23_1 b is notin contact with the second contactor 13_1 b, and is in contact with theinsulating layer of the base substrate 11. Therefore, there iscontinuity between the first slider 23_1 a and the first contactor 13_1a, but no continuity between the second slider 23_1 b and the secondcontactor 13_1 b. Consequently, the first terminal connector 14_1 a iselectrically connected to the third terminal connector 14_1 c via thefirst contactor 13_1 a, the first slider 23_1 a, the third slider 23_1c, and the third contactor 13_1 c. Also, the second terminal connector14_1 b is electrically isolated from the third terminal connector 14_1c.

As discussed above, when the coil block 6 rotates the movable block 5 ina predetermined direction from the first position to the secondposition, the first slider 23_1 a moves from a non-contact position to acontact position with respect to the first contactor, and the secondslider 23_1 b moves from a contact position to a non-contact positionwith respect to the second contactor 13_1 b. The third slider 23_1 c isalways in contact with the third contactor 13_1 c.

Also, as the above-mentioned first to third sliders 23_1 a, 23_1 b, and23_1 c move, the other sliders, including the first to third sliders23_2 a, 23_2 b, and 23_2 c, also move. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10,the first slider 23_2 a moves from a non-contact position in which it isnot in contact with the first contactor 13_2 a (see FIG. 10A) to aposition where it is in contact with the first contactor 13_2 a (seeFIG. 10B). Although not depicted in the drawings, the third slider 23_2c and the second slider 23_2 b also move in the same way as theabove-mentioned third slider 23_1 c and the second slider 23_1 b.Consequently, there is continuity between the first sliders includingthe first sliders 23_1 a and 23_2 a and the first contactorscorresponding thereto. Also, there is no continuity between the secondsliders including the second sliders 23_1 b and 23_2 b and the secondcontactors corresponding thereto.

In a state in which the movable block 5 is in the second position, evenif power to the coil block 6 is shut off, the movable block 5 will beheld in the second position by the magnetic force of the permanentmagnet 29 and by the frictional force between the sliders 23 and thebase substrate 11.

When the movable block 5 is rotated in the opposite direction from thepredetermined direction and moved from the second position to the firstposition, the contact state returns from the state shown in FIG. 25B tothe state shown in FIG. 25A. Specifically, the first slider 23_1 a movesfrom a contact position to a non-contact position with respect to thefirst contactor 13_1 a, and the second slider 23_1 b moves from anon-contact position to a contact position with respect to the secondcontactor 13_1 b. The third slider 23_1 c is always in contact with thethird contactor 13_1 c.

Also, as the above-mentioned first to third sliders 23_1 a, 231 b, and23_1 c move, the other sliders including the first to third sliders 23_2a, 23_2 b, and 23_2 c, also move. Consequently, there is no continuitybetween the first sliders including the first sliders 23_1 a and 23_2 aand the first contactors corresponding thereto. There is continuitybetween the second sliders including the second sliders 23_1 b and 23_2b and the second contactors corresponding thereto.

In a state in which the movable block 5 is in the first position, evenif power to the coil block 6 is shut off, the movable block 5 will beheld in the first position by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet29 and by the frictional force between the sliders and the basesubstrate 11.

As discussed above, the rotational direction of the movable block 5 canbe switched so as to alternately switch between a continuity state ofthe sliders and contactors that function the same as a plurality of NOcontacts, and the continuity state of the sliders and contactors thatfunction the same as a plurality of NC contacts.

As described above, with the relay 1 pertaining to this embodiment, whenthe movable block 5 rotates under the electromagnetic force of the coilblock 6, the sliders 23 slide over the base substrate 11. Consequently,when the sliders 23 move to a position of contact with the contactors13, there is continuity between the sliders 23 and the contactors 13.Also, when the sliders 23 slide over the base substrate 11 and move to aposition where there are no contactors 13, there is no continuitybetween the sliders 23 and the contactors 13.

Thus, the continuity state between the sliders 23 and the contactors 13is switched by moving the sliders 23 while they are still in contactwith the base substrate 11. Therefore, the continuity state can beswitched while keeping the contact pressure of the sliders 23 constant,so contact reliability between the sliders 23 and the contactors 13 canbe easily improved. In particular, the sliders 23 are pressed againstthe base substrate 11 by elastic force by sandwiching the movable block5 between the coil block 6 and the base block 4. Consequently, thecontact pressure between the sliders 23 and the contactors 13 ismaintained, so contact reliability between the sliders 23 and thecontactors 13 can be further enhanced.

Many sliders 23 can be disposed in a small space on the rotary substrate21, and many contactors 13 can be disposed in a small space on the basesubstrate 11. Therefore, the number of sliders 23 on the rotarysubstrate 21 and the number of contactors 13 on the base substrate 11can be increased, which makes it easy to increase the number of pairs ofsliders and contactors (the number of contact poles) that participate inthe switching of the continuity state while avoiding an increase insize. Also, the contact configuration and the number of pairs of slidersand contactors that participate in the switching of the continuity statecan be changed by changing the layout of the sliders 23, the wiringpattern of the rotary substrate 21, and the wiring pattern of the basesubstrate 11.

For instance, FIG. 26 shows an example of the contact configuration ofthe relay 1. FIG. 26 shows part of the wiring diagram for the basesubstrate 11 of the relay 1. In FIG. 26, 1 a to 8 a, 1 b to 8 b, and 1 cto 8 c indicate the contact configurations produced by theabove-mentioned terminal connectors 14. With the pattern of the basesubstrate 11 shown in FIG. 26, 1 a to 8 a, 1 b to 8 b, and 1 c to 8 care provided so as to be paired up with each other.

FIG. 27 shows another example of the contact configuration of the relay1. With the pattern of the base substrate 11 shown in FIG. 27, 1 b is acommon terminal for 1 a to 8 a. That is, the second contactors 13corresponding to 1 b to 8 b in FIG. 26 are connected to the terminalconnector 14 (1 b) serving as the common terminal by the pattern on thebase substrate 11.

In this case the number of terminals can be reduced. Consequently,mounting reliability can be increased by increasing the distance betweenterminals. Also, voltage resistance can be enhanced by increasing thedistance between terminals. Also, the common terminal can be disposed inthe optimal location by matching it to the substrate on which the relay1 is mounted. Furthermore, the design of the pattern to which the relay1 is attached can be simplified by reducing the number of terminals.

As discussed above, the contact configuration can be easily changed byjust changing the pattern of the base substrate 11, without having tochange the configuration of the terminal connectors 14. Furthermore, thenumber of poles can be set as desired according to the pattern on thebase substrate 11, rather than making all of the NC contacts common.Also, not just an NC contact, but also an NO contact or a CO contact canbe made common by changing the pattern on the base substrate 11.

The sliders 23 have a shape that curves in the rotational direction ofthe movable block 5. Therefore, the sliding resistance of the sliders 23during rotation can be reduced. Also, the sliders 23 have sliders 23with a shape that curves in a predetermined rotational direction, andsliders 23 with a shape that curves in the opposite direction from saidpredetermined rotational direction. Therefore, the difference in slidingresistance attributable to a difference in rotational direction can bereduced.

The coil block 6 is divided up into the first coil unit 51 and thesecond coil unit 52. Therefore, the coil block 6 can be more compact.Also, the magnetic circuit of the first coil unit 51 and the magneticcircuit of the second coil unit 52 are independent of one another.Therefore, it is less likely that there will be interference between themagnetic flux of the first coil 54 and the magnetic flux of the secondcoil 64. Consequently, magnetic loss is reduced, and a more powerfulelectromagnetic force can be exerted on the movable block 5.

When the movable block 5 rotates in a predetermined direction, the firstcontact part 223 comes into contact with the coil block 6, and theamount of rotation of the movable block 5 in the predetermined directionis restricted. When the movable block 5 rotates in the oppositedirection from said predetermined direction, the second contact part 224comes into contact with the coil block 6, and the amount of rotation ofthe movable block 5 in the opposite direction is restricted.Consequently, the amount of movement of the sliders 23 can be restrictedwhen the continuity state between the sliders 23 and the contactors 13is switched.

The coil block 6 comes into contact with the protrusions 322, 332, 342,and 352 of the support member 26. Accordingly, the movable block 5 canbe stably pressed, with less bias, via the protrusions 322, 332, 342,and 352. Also, when the movable block 5 rotates, there is frictionbetween the coil block 6 and the protrusions 322, 332, 342, and 352 ofthe support member 26. Therefore, the portion that is worn down byfriction between the movable block 5 and the coil block 6 can be limitedto the protrusions 322, 332, 342, and 352. Furthermore, the concaveparts 323, 333, 343, and 353 are disposed around the protrusions 322,332, 342, and 352. Therefore, any wear dust produced by friction betweenthe protrusions 322, 332, 342, and 352 and the coil block 6 can be heldin the concave parts 323, 333, 343, and 353. This minimizes the amountof wear dust that is scattered into the surrounding area.

An embodiment of the present disclosure was described above, but thepresent disclosure is not limited to or by the above embodiment, andvarious modifications are possible without departing from the gist ofthe disclosure.

The contact configuration in the above embodiment includes NO contacts,NC contacts, and CO contacts, but may instead have only NO contacts,only NC contacts, or only CO contacts, or these contacts may be combinedas desired.

Three sliders 23 constituting an NO contact, an NC contact, and a COcontact do not necessarily have to be disposed aligned in the radialdirection. Some or all of the three sliders 23 constituting an NOcontact, an NC contact, and a CO contact may be disposed at positionsthat are offset in the peripheral direction from the other sliders 23.Alternatively, some or all of the three sliders 23 constituting an NOcontact, an NC contact, and a CO contact may be disposed around a circlewhose center is the rotational axis Ra. The same applies to thecontactors 13 disposed corresponding to the sliders 23.

The structure of the base block 4 is not limited to the structure in theabove embodiment, and may be changed. For example, the base substrate 11is not limited to being quadrilateral, and may instead have some othershape. The terminals 18 and 19 attached to the terminal connectors 14 ofthe base substrate 11 do not need to be disposed evenly on the sides ofthe base substrate 11, and may be disposed wherever desired. In thiscase, the positions of the terminals 18 and 19 can be easily changed bychanging the wiring pattern on the base substrate 11.

The structure of the movable block 5 is not limited to the structure inthe above embodiment, and may be changed. For example, the first contactpart 223 and the second contact part 224 of the armature may be incontact with not just the first yoke 57 and the second yoke 59, but withsome other portion of the coil block 6 instead. The coil block 6 may besupported by some other structure instead of the protrusions of thesupport member 26. The rotary substrate 21 is not limited to beingdisk-shaped, and may instead have some other shape.

The structure of the coil block 6 is not limited to the structure in theabove embodiment, and may be modified. For instance, an integral coilmay be used that is not divided up into the first coil 54 and the secondcoil 64.

As shown in FIG. 28, the first coil 54 may have a first layer 541 and asecond layer 542. The second coil 64 may have a first layer 641 and asecond layer 642. The second layers 542 and 642 are wound in theopposite direction from that of the first layers 541 and 641. Thewindings of the first layers 541 and 641 and the windings of the secondlayers 541 and 641 are connected to independent coil terminals.

As shown in FIG. 28A, for example, the movable block 5 rotates in theopposite direction from the predetermined direction when power is sentto the second layer 542 of the first coil 54 and the second layer 642 ofthe second coil 64. Also, as shown in FIG. 28B, the movable blockrotates in the predetermined direction when power is sent to the firstlayer 541 of the first coil 54 and the first layer 641 of the secondcoil 64.

Power does not have to be sent separately to the first coil 54 and thesecond coil 64, and may instead be sent to both of them at the sametime. In this case, a more powerful electromagnetic force can be exertedon the armature 22 by appropriately designing the coil winding directionand the current flow direction.

The parts of which the second coil 64 and the second coil bobbin 63 arecomposed may be shared with the parts of which the first coil 54 and thefirst coil bobbin 53 are composed. In this case, the various partsshould be disposed in mutually different orientations. Alternatively,the parts of which the second coil 64 and the second coil bobbin 63 arecomposed may be separate parts with a different coil winding directionwith respect to the coil bobbin for the parts of which the first coil 54and the first coil bobbin 53 are composed.

The terminals connected to the terminal connectors 14 are not limited tobeing linear terminals that protrude from the base substrate 11 as withthe terminals 18 and 19 in the above embodiment, and may be modified.FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the relay 1 pertaining to a firstmodification example. FIG. 30 is a detail view of the bottom face of therelay 1 pertaining to the first modification example. As shown in FIGS.29 and 30, with the relay 1 pertaining to the first modificationexample, the terminals are constituted by a ball grid array (BGA).Specifically, solder balls 90 may be attached to the terminal connectors14. During mounting of the relay 1, the solder 90 is melted so that theterminal connectors 14 are electrically connected to the substrate.

In this case, since the solder balls 90 are disposed on the terminalconnectors 14, there will be less variance in the height and position ofthe solder 90. Also, since the terminal connectors 14 can be spaced moreclosely together, more terminal connectors 14 can be provided.Therefore, the terminal configuration pertaining to the firstmodification example is particularly effective with a base substratepattern comprising many terminals, as shown in FIG. 26 (discussedabove). Furthermore, since the terminals 18 and 19 of the aboveembodiment can be eliminated, there is also a cost saving.

Alternatively, the terminals may be constituted by a land grid array(LGA), as in the second modification example shown in FIG. 31.Specifically, the plating of the terminal connectors 14 may be madethicker, so that the terminal connectors 14 function directly asterminals. Here again, the same effect can be obtained as with theabove-mentioned terminals produced by BGA. Also, there will be even lessvariance in the height and position of the terminals than with terminalsproduced by BGA. The contact reliability can also be improved.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure provides a relay with which the number of polesof the contacts can be increased while avoiding an increase in size, andthe contact reliability of the contacts is high.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   5 movable block-   11 base substrate-   6 coil block-   23_1 a first slider-   13_1 a first contactor-   23_1 c third slider-   13_1 c third contactor-   23_1 b second slider-   13_2 b second contactor-   21 rotary substrate-   18, 19 terminal-   54 first coil-   64 second coil-   22 armature-   223 first contact part-   224 second contact part-   57 first yoke-   59 second yoke-   221 first concave part-   222 second concave part-   26 support member-   322, 332, 342, 352 protrusion-   323, 333, 343, 353 concave part

1. A relay, comprising: a movable block provided rotatably around arotational axis of the movable block, the movable block including aplurality of sliders; a base substrate including a plurality ofcontactors configured to come into contact with the sliders, the basesubstrate disposed opposite the movable block in a rotational axisdirection of the movable block, the base substrate being in contact withthe sliders; and a coil block including a coil configured to generateelectromagnetic force by electric conduction to rotate the movable blockwith respect to the base substrate, wherein, as the movable blockrotates, continuity is switched between the sliders and the contactors.2. The relay according to claim 1, wherein the sliders are disposedspaced apart in a radial direction and in a peripheral direction of arotation of the movable block.
 3. The relay according to claim 1,wherein the contactors are disposed spaced apart in the radial directionand in the peripheral direction of the rotation of the movable block onthe base substrate.
 4. The relay according to claim 1, wherein thesliders include a first slider, the contactors include a firstcontactor, the first slider is provided movably between a contactposition where it is in contact with the first contactor, and anon-contact position where it is not in contact with the firstcontactor, when the coil block rotates the movable block in apredetermined direction, the first slider moves from the non-contactposition to the contact position, and when the coil block rotates themovable block in an opposite direction from the predetermined direction,the first slider moves from the contact position to the non-contactposition.
 5. The relay according to claim 4, wherein the sliders includea second slider, the contactors include a second contactor, the secondslider is provided movably between a contact position where it is incontact with the second contactor, and a non-contact position where itis not in contact with the second contactor, when the coil block rotatesthe movable block in the predetermined direction, the first slider movesfrom the non-contact position to the contact position, and the secondslider moves from the contact position to the non-contact position, andwhen the coil block rotates the movable block in the opposite directionfrom the predetermined direction, the first slider moves from thecontact position to the non-contact position, and the second slidermoves from the non-contact position to the contact position.
 6. Therelay according to claim 4, wherein the movable block further includes athird slider, the base substrate further includes a third contactor, andthe third slider is in constant contact with the third contactor whilethe first slider moves between the contact position and the non-contactposition.
 7. The relay according to claim 6, wherein the third slider isdisposed closer to the rotational axis than the first slider.
 8. Therelay according to claim 1, wherein the movable block further comprisesa rotary substrate disposed opposite the base substrate in therotational axis direction, the sliders are attached to the rotarysubstrate, and the rotary substrate electrically connects the sliders.9. The relay according to claim 1, wherein the sliders have a shape thatcurves toward a rotational direction of the movable block.
 10. The relayaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sliders include sliderswith a shape that curves toward the predetermined rotational direction,and sliders with a shape that curves in the opposite direction from thepredetermined rotational direction.
 11. The relay according to claim 1,further comprising: a plurality of terminals connected to the basesubstrate, wherein each of the terminals is electrically connected toone of the contactors on the base substrate.
 12. The relay according toclaim 11, wherein at least two of the contactors are connected to acommon terminal by a pattern on the base substrate.
 13. The relayaccording to claim 1, wherein the coil block includes: a first coil; anda second coil being separate from the first coil.
 14. The relayaccording to claim 13, wherein a magnetic circuit of the first coil anda magnetic circuit of the second coil are independent of each other. 15.The relay according to claim 13, wherein the first coil and the secondcoil are disposed spaced apart, and the movable block includes anarmature disposed between the first coil and the second coil.
 16. Therelay according to claim 15, wherein the armature includes a firstcontact part and a second contact part, when the movable block rotatesin a predetermined direction, the first contact part comes into contactwith the coil block, thereby restricting an amount of rotation of themovable block in the predetermined direction, and when the movable blockrotates in an opposite direction from the predetermined direction, thesecond contact part comes into contact with the coil block, therebyrestricting an amount of rotation of the movable block in the oppositedirection.
 17. The relay according to claim 16, wherein the coil blockincludes: a first yoke protruding toward the armature between the firstcoil and the second coil; and a second yoke protruding toward thearmature from a side opposite the first yoke between the first coil andthe second coil, and the armature includes: a first concave part inwhich a distal end of the first yoke is disposed; and a second concavepart in which a distal end of the second yoke is disposed.
 18. The relayaccording to claim 13, wherein the first coil and the second coil eachinclude a first layer and a second layer whose wiring direction isdifferent from a wiring direction of the first layer.
 19. The relayaccording to claim 1, wherein the movable block is sandwiched betweenthe base substrate and the coil block, and the coil block is attached tothe base substrate to press the movable block toward the base substrate.20. The relay according to claim 19, wherein the movable block includesa plurality of protrusions that come into contact with the coil block.21. The relay according to claim 20, wherein the protrusions aredisposed symmetrically with respect to the rotational axis.
 22. Therelay according to claim 20, wherein the movable block includes aplurality of concave parts respectively disposed around the protrusions.